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A Deliciously Simple Recipe

A Deliciously Simple Recipe

4.8 from 20 reviews

Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish combining blistered cherry tomatoes and caramelized garlic with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy recipe, enhanced with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, offers a delicious meal suitable for any occasion, blending savory, tangy, and aromatic elements into every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 pound of cherry tomatoes
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped

Pantry Staples

  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
  2. Prepare Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Place them into a large mixing bowl to coat.
  3. Prepare Garlic: Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves for roasting.
  4. Season Tomatoes: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to coat evenly.
  5. Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the tomatoes in a single layer and place the garlic head cut side up on the sheet. Drizzle garlic with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  6. Roast Vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic becomes soft.
  7. Cook Pasta: While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  8. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water to help adjust sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta but do not rinse.
  9. Cool Roasted Vegetables: Let the roasted tomatoes and garlic cool for a few minutes so they can be handled safely.
  10. Extract Garlic: Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a large mixing bowl.
  11. Add Roasted Tomatoes: Add the roasted tomatoes and any juices collected on the baking sheet into the bowl with the garlic.
  12. Mash Mixture: Gently mash the tomatoes and garlic together using a fork or potato masher to create a chunky sauce.
  13. Add Seasonings: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  14. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  15. Add Fresh Basil: Fold in the chopped fresh basil to infuse the pasta with herbal freshness.
  16. Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.

Notes

  • Use any type of pasta you prefer; spaghetti or linguine work especially well.
  • If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, lemon juice can be a good substitute to add acidity.
  • Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
  • To keep it vegan, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Roasted garlic is much milder and sweeter than raw, so it greatly enhances the sauce flavor without sharpness.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted tomato pasta, garlic pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, vegetarian pasta